Bizarre Network Speeds

[willystyle]

Cable Internet: 50Mbps DWN/3Mbps UP

Ever since I've replaced my WRT54GL with a E4200 flashed with DD-WRT. I have been experiencing very bizarre network speeds. I have about 6-8 wireless devices connected to my E4200, but they are all experiencing very different speeds at the same location. I will get into more detail about my encounters.

My network is setup with the following devices: Shaw WiFi Modem (SMC Network), Linksys E4200 (DD-WRT), Galaxy S2, LG Optimus T, Touchpad, Desktop PC (Wireless N Adapter - Patriot WI-FI USB Wireless LAN Adapter IEEE 802.11 B/G/N 300Mbps Compatible With Patriot PBO Alpine), Macbook (Wireless G) and a few other wireless devices that I haven't tested with.

Now my E4200 is situated about 6 feet away from my Shaw WiFi modem in the same room. I have two WLAN established with my e4200. WLAN0 is a N-ONLY running on 2.4GHz channel, using Channel 1. WLAN1 is NG-MIXED running on 2.4GHz, Channel 6. WLAN0 is faster than my WLAN1 across the board. I am unsure why.

To simplify my tests, I have used one central location to perform all of my speed tests in the house, so it's as consistent as possible.

These are speed tests from the E4200.

My Desktop PC (Wireless N Adapter) - WLAN0 - I am getting 4-5Mbps DOWN, and 3Mbps UP. WLAN1 - I am getting 0.56Mbps DOWN, and 1.5Mbps UP

Macbook (2006 - Wireless G) - Roughly the same as above from both WLANs.

Galaxy S2 - WLAN0 and WLAN1 - I am getting 30Mbps DOWN and 3Mbps UP

Touchpad - Same results as above.

These are speed tests from the Shaw WiFi Modem

Desktop PC - 8Mbps-30Mbps (It depends, I get different results all the time), 3Mbps UP.

Macbook - Same as above.

Galaxy S2 - 20-25Mbps DN, 3Mbps UP

Touchpad - Same as above.

I have flashed different versions of DD-WRT, played with various Channels on the 2.4GHz spectrum. I have also tried testing the wired LAN connections on both the e4200 and the WiFi modem, and they are both working fabulously.

I don't really understand why the Macbook and my Desktop PC is having such slow throughput on the e4200. I am guessing that the wireless adapter that I bought is garbage, but I am getting decent speeds when I am downloading from my Shaw WiFi modem. I am confused. I have tried exchanging the E4200 with another from the retailer, but I am still having the same issue. So I don't think it's a router issue.

If anyone else can chime in that would be terrific.

[striderblade]

Hmm a lot of stuff can cause inconsistent speed when using wireless connection. Is your router firmware up to date? Is your QoS enable? Do you have another brand router to test and compare with? I know i had a similar type of issue before. I solved mine by switching my wireless channel. If your neigbour around you just so happen are using the same channel as you that might cause some issue thought not very big. I solved mine by downloading this to scan for congested channel used around my neighbour.

inSSIDer – Discover The Wi-Fi Around You | MetaGeek

I would suggest getting another type router to test it out with. Since the issue occur right after you said you replaced your WRT54GL.

[Gumby]

I can't answer your questions, but I'm curious how you did the speed tests within your network? Thanks!

[willystyle]

Originally Posted by striderblade

Hmm a lot of stuff can cause inconsistent speed when using wireless connection. Is your router firmware up to date? Is your QoS enable? Do you have another brand router to test and compare with? I know i had a similar type of issue before. I solved mine by switching my wireless channel. If your neigbour around you just so happen are using the same channel as you that might cause some issue thought not very big. I solved mine by downloading this to scan for congested channel used around my neighbour.

inSSIDer – Discover The Wi-Fi Around You | MetaGeek

I would suggest getting another type router to test it out with. Since the issue occur right after you said you replaced your WRT54GL.

Firmware is up to date. QOS was disabled. I was comparing my speeds with the Shaw WiFi Modem vs. E4200. I've tried changing channels, it helped a little, but not very significant.

Originally Posted by Gumby

I can't answer your questions, but I'm curious how you did the speed tests within your network? Thanks!

Speedtest.net

I was testing my WAN speed, not LAN.

Does anyone know why my WLAN0 is faster than WLAN1 overall? It doesn't make sense.

[trip]

SMC?

[willystyle]

Originally Posted by trip

SMC?

Yes

[!MiKrofT]

Is 40mhz band enabled on the e4200 and the device?

[willystyle]

20MHz on the e4200.

Besides my touchpad, I don't think I have any other devices that can utilize the 5Ghz band.

[!MiKrofT]

You need 40mhz channel bandwidth on 2.4ghz as well as WPA encryption to fully utilize N speeds.

[TOS'd]

Might be stupid question, but wheres the setting to change Cisco Shaw Modem/Router for bridge setting? I could be overlooking it, but I can't seem to find it in the settings. Unless its just plug-n-play.

[lilaznviper]

^you have to call shaw for that